Liverpool's Alisson Could Spring Stunning Summer Departure in Move That Defies All Logic—Until You Hear the Details
Liverpool's shot-stopper Alisson Becker has unexpectedly become a rumored transfer target for Juventus as the Italian powerhouse considers reinforcement options for the crucial goalkeeper position, following Wojciech Szczęsny's abrupt departure two years ago.
The Turin club acquired Michele Di Gregorio from Monza just before Szczęsny's deal was terminated by mutual agreement, and the Italian keeper, who had accumulated merely 70 Serie A appearances by age 26, has taken over the first-choice role. However, Di Gregorio, who seemed better suited to the less pressurized environment at a club like Monza, faces mounting criticism following recent mistakes.
Gazzetta dello Sport indicates that Juventus are "mainly targeting Premier League" prospects. One candidate is Tottenham's Guglielmo Vicario, who served as Empoli's number one for two campaigns before his 2023 switch to England, while another is Liverpool icon Alisson from this century.
French keeper Mike Maignan was previously considered until he penned fresh terms with AC Milan rather than exploring free agency this summer, leading to a shift in strategy. In the end, a transfer budget dependent on Juventus securing Champions League qualification will be decisive.
Alisson, whose deal expires in 2027, represents the more economical option, primarily due to his age—he'll turn 34 early in the upcoming campaign—rather than any questions about his skill or standing. Vicario is four years his junior and would naturally command a higher fee given the potential for a longer-term investment.
There would be some recognition for Alisson joining Juventus. The Brazilian previously featured in Serie A, establishing himself during a two-year stint with Roma. And the coach who was in charge upon his arrival and throughout the initial portion of that period? Current Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti.
Alisson's Liverpool Replacement Already Signed, Smooths Transition
Alisson's Liverpool Replacement Already Signed, Smooths Transition
Liverpool's forward planning appears to have already positioned the club for this scenario.
Alisson has been sidelined through injuries in each of the past three campaigns—missing seven fixtures with a hamstring issue during October and November—and the club chose in 2024 to secure Giorgi Mamardashvili for $39.3 million (£29 million), a deal arranged twelve months in advance.
Mamardashvili, who gained recognition at Euro 2024 through his displays for Georgia, has featured 11 times for Liverpool in the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup to date.
"We understood we were acquiring a talented goalkeeper, but when he makes his first appearance, that's always the optimal way to assess whether he's adapted well or not," Arne Slot commented following Mamardashvili's Liverpool debut in September.
"I believe we witnessed in that match [against Southampton] that he's settled in excellently at our club, which isn't surprising given he's a skilled goalkeeper."
Should Liverpool agree to authorize Alisson's exit, the expectation is for a seamless handover following two seasons of Mamardashvili learning from the keeper whom former Reds defender Jamie Carragher recently ranked third among his top 10 Premier League goalkeepers of all time.
Using an analogy from NFL quarterbacks, consider Steve Young learning behind Joe Montana for four seasons, or Aaron Rodgers apprenticing under Brett Favre for three years.
Liverpool would probably need to enter the transfer market for a new reserve goalkeeper to replenish their options once Mamardashvili steps up to the primary role.